How We Almost Canceled Our Wedding Because of a Fake Vendor

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting yet stressful experiences a couple can go through. It’s supposed to be a celebration of love, but for us, it nearly turned into a disaster thanks to a fake vendor. Here’s how it happened, what we learned, and how you can avoid making the same mistake.

The Perfect Vendor (or So We Thought)

It all started when we began searching for a photographer. We wanted someone who could capture the candid moments of our day without breaking the bank. After scrolling through what felt like hundreds of portfolios, we found “Chris,” a photographer whose work seemed perfect. His website was polished, the reviews on his social media were glowing, and he offered a reasonable package.

We reached out to Chris, and his responses were quick and professional. He even sent us a contract, which made everything feel legitimate. We paid the 50% deposit to secure our date, feeling relieved that one more item was checked off our planning list.

The First Red Flags

A few weeks later, we tried to contact Chris to confirm some details. Suddenly, his responses slowed down. Emails went unanswered, and his phone went straight to voicemail. At first, we chalked it up to a busy schedule, but as the weeks went by, the sinking feeling grew.

Desperate, we started digging deeper. That’s when we discovered that some of the photos on his portfolio weren’t even his—they were stolen from other photographers. The glowing reviews? Many were suspiciously identical across multiple platforms.

The Day We Almost Gave Up

When we realized we had been scammed, panic set in. Not only were we out a significant amount of money, but we were also left scrambling to find a new photographer with just weeks to go. With every vendor we contacted either fully booked or charging double what we’d budgeted, it felt like the wedding we’d dreamed of was slipping away.

There was even a moment when we sat down and seriously considered canceling the entire event. The stress, the financial loss, and the heartbreak were just too much.

How We Turned Things Around

Thankfully, a friend recommended a local photographer who happened to have an unexpected opening. While we had to stretch our budget a bit, the peace of mind was worth it. On our wedding day, they delivered stunning photos that we’ll cherish forever. But the experience left us shaken.

What We Learned

1. Do Thorough Research

Don’t just rely on a vendor’s website or social media. Ask for references, and double-check reviews on third-party platforms. Look for consistency in their work and reputation.

2. Use Trusted Platforms

Booking through established wedding planning platforms can provide an added layer of security, as they often vet vendors beforehand.

3. Ask the Right Questions

Verify everything. Ask about their experience, licensing, and contingency plans if something goes wrong.

4. Protect Your Payment

Use secure payment methods that offer fraud protection. Avoid paying in cash or via untraceable methods like wire transfers.

How Vowry Can Help

Stories like ours are the reason platforms like Vowry exist. By signing up for early access, you’ll have access to a curated network of trusted vendors, real-time communication tools, and budget management features to avoid scams like the one we fell victim to.